Five new faces for Wales's RBS 6 Nations defence

Wing Eli Walker and South Africa-born back row Andries Pretorius are among five new faces in Wales' 35-man squad for the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown.

Wing Eli Walker and South Africa-born back row Andries Pretorius are among five new faces in Wales' 35-man squad for the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown.

Ospreys flyer Walker and Cardiff Blues skipper Pretorius are joined in the squad by fellow new faces James King and Andrew Coombs – both second rows – as well as Blues back row Josh Navidi.

Born in Nelspruit, South Africa, 27-year-old Pretorius qualified to play for Wales on residency last month.

Meanwhile, full-back Lee Byrne has been recalled thanks to his impressive form for Clermont while props Adam Jones and Craig Mitchell have both returned from injury and Ryan Jones is also selected despite dislocating his thumb on Sunday in Ospreys’ draw with Leicester.

King, Coombs, a former Wales Under-20 captain, and Pretorius have all been selected in the wake of numerous injury problems for interim coach Rob Howley in the pack.

Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate and Bradley Davies are injured, although all except Charteris, who is out for the season, could return for the latter stages of the competition.

“We have put together a very experienced squad and complimented that by rewarding the in-form players with a call-up,” said Howley.

“The players in the squad have been playing really well and we have been pleased with their individual performances.

“We have a group of players who know how to win big matches and have experienced success. We are adding to that, players who have stood out and performed well for the regions this season."

Sam Warburton will again skipper the side which kicks off its campaign against Ireland in Cardiff on February 2.

As well as injury problems in the second and back row, Wales are also without prop Aaron Jarvis, hooker Huw Bennett, centre Ashley Beck and fly-half Rhys Priestland.